Hyderabad vs Punjab, 25th Match

That is all from us here. The weekend is upon us and it is time for the double-headers. Join us for all the action that takes place. Until then, good bye!

Presentation Ceremony:

Vihari: "I am happy with the performance. The most important thing is that the team won. I am happy that I am bowling one over as the captain asks me to do it. I ensure that I do not give too many runs. I could settle myself in and play to my strengths but I was disappointed that I could not finish it off."

Hanuma Vihari is the MoM for his sensible knock of 46.

White: "We like close games. 140 was going to be a tough chase and I was confident that we could chase this target down. Vihari is a good player and he has had a good tournament. This tournament gives the young players a chance to show their skills. The bowlers are doing a great job. Ishant, Steyn, Mishra and Karan Sharma are all bowling well. There are some areas to improve. Thisara Perera is a world-class player."

Gilchrist: "We were well positioned to reach 140. We lost four wickets in five balls which is not good enough. There is a lot to offer to suggest that we can be consistent but we let ourselves down. I got off the mark and I was middling the ball so that is an improvement."

Interesting Fact: The previous Hyderabad franchise considered the Rajiv Gandhi stadium as a bogey ground. This franchise seems to be performing well at home. Three consecutive wins here.

Steyn: "We are leaving it till the end but we are winning so the team is not complaining. When a batsman is given a chance to finish the game, he has to do it and Thisara has done it. It was a slow wicket and it was not free-flowing. 140-150 was a great score but the wickets that we got towards the end was crucial. If we win games, we are getting the crowd to support us. I am happy with the workload but I would love to strike with the new ball at the start."

Thisara Perera has once again played his part in a Hyderabad win. Quinton de Kock failed yet again but it was some good knocks from Akshath Reddy and Hanuma Vihari which kept Hyderabad in the hunt. The Punjab bowlers stifled the run-flow during the middle overs but Perera struck some clean blows to get Hyderabad over the line. In the end, Punjab's total proved to be too little to cause problems.

18.5 Azhar Mahmood to Thisara Perera, SIX, Thisara Perera seals the game in style, what clean hitting from this Sri Lankan dynamite, full ball just outside off, Perera gets underneath the delivery and wallops it high and into the stands at long on, Hyderabad are now on top of the table for the moment

3 runs needed off 8 balls. Once again, Thisara Perera has made a difference.

18.4 Azhar Mahmood to Thisara Perera, SIX, this has sealed it for Hyderabad, what a blow from Thisara Perera! Mahmood misses his length again and Perera clears the front leg to launch it way back into the stands at deep mid wicket

9 runs needed off 9 balls.

18.3 Azhar Mahmood to Ashish Reddy, 1 run, the back of the hand slower delivery, it is a low full toss on middle and it dips on the batsman, but Ashish watches it carefully and drives it to long off

10 runs needed off 10 balls. What will Ashish Reddy do? He has to give the single to Thisara Perera.

18.2 Azhar Mahmood to Thisara Perera, 1 run, full ball on middle, Perera attempts the lofted shot but his bottom hand comes off the bat, he mistimes it straight down the ground for a single

18.2 Azhar Mahmood to Thisara Perera, wide, Mahmood responds with a bouncer but it goes too high over Perera's head, wide signalled by umpire Dharmasena and Gilchrist is not happy, good decision though from the umpire

18.1 Azhar Mahmood to Thisara Perera, SIX, BOOM! That is a crucial blow from Thisara Perera. Good length ball just outside off, Perera clears the front leg and swings through the line clearly to maul it into the stands at long on

Another low-scoring match, another thriller! It seems that it is always destined in this way.

17.6 Gony to Ashish Reddy, no run, full and slow delivery angled in on leg stump, Ashish makes room and punches it back to the bowler

17.5 Gony to Ashish Reddy, FOUR, much needed boundary for Hyderabad, short ball just outside off, Ashish clears the front leg and thwacks the pull to wide long on, Chawla dives to his right but he cannot get there and the ball bounces just in front of the ropes

17.4 Gony to Ashish Reddy, no run, full ball just outside off, Ashish clears the front leg and whacks it to mid off, Perera calls for the single but is sent back, David Hussey fires a rocket throw at the bowler's end and scores a direct hit, but Perera had just made it

Third umpire been called here for a run-out. The batsman in question is Thisara Perera. He is SAFE!

17.3 Gony to Thisara Perera, 1 run, fuller length ball on the middle and leg stump, Perera clears the front leg and looks to heave it over mid wicket, gets an inside edge that rolls to deep backward square leg

17.2 Gony to Ashish Reddy, 1 run, full ball and keeping it on middle, Ashish initially went back and gave himself some room, he gets into awkward position and turns it to square leg

17.1 Gony to Thisara Perera, 1 run, short ball and it climbs up just outside off, Perera goes for the cut and the ball flies to third man off the outside edge

16.6 Azhar Mahmood to Ashish Reddy, no run, full ball angled in just outside off and it shapes away a tad, Ashish clears the front leg slightly and looks to wallop it over mid off but fails to make contact

16.5 Azhar Mahmood to Thisara Perera, 1 run, pitched up on the off stump, Perera drills it to long off

16.4 Azhar Mahmood to Thisara Perera, no run, back of a length delivery and straight on middle, Perera punches it to mid off

16.2 Azhar Mahmood to Ashish Reddy, 1 run, full ball angled in on the middle and leg stump, Ashish flicks it to fine leg

Ashish Reddy, right handed bat, comes to the crease

16.1 Azhar Mahmood to Samantray, out Lbw!! Mahmood strikes immediately. Good length ball outside off and it nips back in sharply, Samantray plays inside the line of the delivery and gets hit on the back pad, Mahmood appeals and the umpire raises the finger, the impact looked to be slightly outside the line of off stump but Samantray has to depart. Samantray lbw b Azhar Mahmood 10(12) [4s-1]

Azhar Mahmood to Samantray, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

Azhar Mahmood [2.0-0-13-0] is back into the attack

15.6 Gony to Thisara Perera, byes, FOUR, oh dear, these bonus runs will not please Punjab, this back of a length delivery again shoots through low outside off, Perera is beaten by the low bounce but the ball bounces awkwardly in front of Gilchrist, it ricochets off his knee and to the fine leg fence for byes

15.5 Gony to Samantray, 1 run, full and slow ball on the off stump, Samantray watches it carefully and runs it down to third man

15.4 Gony to Samantray, no run, short and pacy delivery on leg stump, Samantray looks to hook it to fine leg but misses it, extra pace and bounce from Gony

15.3 Gony to Samantray, FOUR, majestic shot from Samantray, short and wide delivery outside off, Samantray uses the pace and gets on top of the bounce to carve the square drive to the deep point fence

15.2 Gony to Thisara Perera, 1 run, short in length delivery on the off stump, Perera stabs at it and gets an outside edge that rolls to third man

Thisara Perera, left handed bat, comes to the crease

15.1 Gony to Cameron White, out Bowled!! Gony has cleaned up Cameron White. Good length ball and it straightens, it shoots through low and White is caught in the crease, he is late in getting the bat down and the ball detonates the middle and off stump out of the ground, vital wicket this for Punjab. Cameron White b Gony 16(23) [4s-1]

Gony to Cameron White, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

Time-out Time! The match is once again evenly poised. Hyderabad need to up the scoring rate while Punjab will look to take quick wickets.

14.3 Chawla to Cameron White, no run, this delivery breaks away from a good length outside off, White looks to hoick it over mid wicket but misses it

14.2 Chawla to Samantray, 1 run, tossed up delivery just outside off, Samantray drives it to long off

14.1 Chawla to Cameron White, 1 run, low full toss outside off, White thumps it to long off

Piyush Chawla [3.0-0-20-1] is back into the attack

13.6 Gony to Cameron White, leg byes, 1 run, another short ball from Gony and it is angled in on leg stump, White again attempts the pull but the ball skids through and hits him on the stomach, they sneak a leg bye

13.5 Gony to Cameron White, FOUR, poor ball from Gony and White makes him pay, short ball and on leg stump, White helps it along the way by pulling it to the fine leg fence, he controlled that shot pretty well

13.4 Gony to Samantray, 1 run, short of length ball outside off, Samantray guides it to third man

13.3 Gony to Cameron White, 1 run, short and wide delivery outside off, White winds up and bashes it to sweeper cover where the fielder slides to his right to stop it

13.2 Gony to Cameron White, no run, another cracking ball from Gony, good length ball and it straightens just outside off, White plays inside the line of the delivery and gets beaten

13.1 Gony to Cameron White, no run, back of a length delivery and it spits up sharply on middle, White is surprised by the extra bounce and he takes the bottom hand off to defend it

Manpreet Gony [1.0-0-5-1] is back into the attack

12.6 Azhar Mahmood to Samantray, no run, good length ball and close to the off stump, Samantray knocks it to point

12.5 Azhar Mahmood to Cameron White, 1 run, full delivery on the off stump, White gets forward and eases it to long on

12.4 Azhar Mahmood to Samantray, 1 run, back of a length delivery and it keeps a bit low just outside off, Samantray is caught on the crease as he pats it to short mid wicket

12.3 Azhar Mahmood to Cameron White, 1 run, short ball and it rears up outside off, White looks to get on top of the bounce but he mistimes the hook shot to deep square leg

12.2 Azhar Mahmood to Samantray, 1 run, short of length ball and wide outside off, Samantray runs it down to third man

12.1 Azhar Mahmood to Cameron White, 1 run, pitched up delivery angled in on middle, White plonks the front foot across and drives it to short mid wicket, Chawla dives to his left and palms it to mid on

Azhar Mahmood [1.0-0-8-0] is back into the attack

11.6 Chawla to Samantray, no run, this delivery slowly spins away just outside off, Samantray taps it to the off side

A slip in place.

11.5 Chawla to Samantray, no run, flighted delivery on leg stump, Samantray turns it to short mid wicket

Biplab Samantray, right handed bat, comes to the crease

11.4 Chawla to Hanuma Vihari, out Caught by David Hussey!! Poor shot and Chawla gets an important wicket. Flighted delivery and bowled full and wide outside off, Vihari is lured into the drive and he bends the back leg as he hits it uppishly but he finds David Hussey at extra cover who takes the catch easily, Vihari falls after a decent knock. Hanuma Vihari c David Hussey b Chawla 46(39) [4s-5]

Chawla to Hanuma Vihari, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

11.3 Chawla to Cameron White, 1 run, this delivery breaks away late from a fuller length on middle, White looks to work it to mid wicket but closes the bat face and gets a leading edge that rolls to cover

11.2 Chawla to Hanuma Vihari, 1 run, flatter delivery angled in on leg stump, Vihari plunges forward and nudges it behind square on the leg side

11.1 Chawla to Hanuma Vihari, 2 runs, loopy delivery just outside off, Vihari works it into the gap at mid wicket for a couple

10.6 Mascarenhas to Hanuma Vihari, 1 run, full ball just outside off and it stops on Vihari, he presses forward and pushes it to deepish mid on

10.4 Mascarenhas to Hanuma Vihari, 1 run, back of a length delivery just outside off, Vihari plants his front foot forward and works it to mid wicket

10.3 Mascarenhas to Hanuma Vihari, 2 runs, length ball angled in and it cuts back in a touch, Vihari pushes at it with bat close to the pad and the inside edge rolls to fine leg for a couple

10.2 Mascarenhas to Hanuma Vihari, FOUR, in the air but safe, good length ball but Mascarenhas strays it onto the pads, Vihari swats it high to deep square leg where Valthaty dives to his right but he cannot reach it as the ball goes away to the fence

10.1 Mascarenhas to Cameron White, 1 run, White shuffles a bit in the crease and Mascarenhas keeps this delivery on a short of length just outside off, White carves it to deep point

Once again, on a sluggish pitch, Hanuma Vihari is playing a vital knock when it matters. On a similar pitch against Bangalore, his 44 made the difference.

9.6 Chawla to Hanuma Vihari, no run, flatter delivery outside off, Vihari knocks it to the off side

9.5 Chawla to Cameron White, 1 run, Chawla tosses this delivery up a bit too full just outside off, White drills it to long off

9.4 Chawla to Cameron White, no run, good ball from Chawla, quicker delivery and it breaks away slightly, White gets forward and looks to work it to mid wicket but ends up playing all around it to get beaten

9.3 Chawla to Hanuma Vihari, 1 run, flighted delivery and bowled with a bit more loop outside off, Vihari nurdles it to short mid wicket

9.2 Chawla to Hanuma Vihari, no run, flatter delivery but a bit too short outside off, Vihari pats it to point

9.1 Chawla to Hanuma Vihari, FOUR, WHAM! Super shot from Vihari. Chawla gives this delivery a lot of air but it is too full outside off, it spins away and Vihari leans forward and lofts the drive with the spin to wide long off, Mandeep Singh stretches to his left but he cannot haul it back in

Piyush Chawla [1.0-0-10-0] is back into the attack

8.6 Mascarenhas to Cameron White, no run, pitched up on the off stump, White dead-bats it back to the bowler

8.5 Mascarenhas to Cameron White, no run, full ball on middle and off, White defends it back to the bowler

8.4 Mascarenhas to Cameron White, no run, good length ball angled in just outside off, White pushes it to point

8.3 Mascarenhas to Hanuma Vihari, 1 run, short of length ball and wide outside off, Vihari steers it to third man

8.2 Mascarenhas to Cameron White, 1 run, good length ball just outside off, White wrists it down to long on

8.1 Mascarenhas to Cameron White, no run, short ball and it climbs up just outside off, White stands tall and dabs it to point

Dimitri Mascarenhas [2.0-0-13-0] is back into the attack

7.6 Gony to Hanuma Vihari, no run, short of a good length ball just outside off, Vihari pushes it to point

Cameron White, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Time-out!

7.5 Gony to Akshath Reddy, out Caught by Azhar Mahmood!! Good catch from Mahmood. Full ball just outside off, Akshath Reddy looks to launch it over mid off this time but he fails to time it properly, Mahmood at mid off leaps to his right and plucks the catch with one hand. Akshath Reddy c Azhar Mahmood b Gony 19(17) [4s-2]

Gony to Akshath Reddy, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

7.4 Gony to Akshath Reddy, no run, back of a length delivery and moving away outside off, Akshath chops it to backward point

7.3 Gony to Akshath Reddy, FOUR, wonderful shot from Akshath, full ball on the off stump, Akshath swings through the line and lofts it over the mid on fielder for a boundary

7.2 Gony to Akshath Reddy, no run, short in length delivery and close to the off stump, Akshath punches it back to the bowler

7.1 Gony to Hanuma Vihari, 1 run, Gony starts off with a short ball outside off, Vihari rides the bounce and hops back to guide it to third man

Manpreet Gony, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

6.6 Chawla to Hanuma Vihari, 1 run, this leg-break is slightly short outside off, Vihari knocks it to point and it is an expensive start for Chawla, 10 runs in that over

6.5 Chawla to Hanuma Vihari, FOUR, another nice shot from Vihari, this leg-break is slightly short outside off, Vihari cracks it to the third man fence, nobody moved

6.4 Chawla to Hanuma Vihari, FOUR, nicely done by Vihari, full and flat delivery outside off, Vihari plunges forward and paddle sweeps it to fine leg, Mascarenhas puts in the slide to his right but his foot is in contact with the rope

A slip in place.

6.3 Chawla to Hanuma Vihari, no run, flighted delivery and given a lot more air outside off, Vihari drives it to short cover

6.2 Chawla to Hanuma Vihari, no run, ripper of a delivery from Chawla, tossed up delivery on the off stump and it grips the surface to break away a long way, Vihari gets forward and has a feel for it but gets beaten

6.1 Chawla to Akshath Reddy, 1 run, tossed up delivery just outside off, Akshath drives it to long off

Piyush Chawla, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack

5.6 Azhar Mahmood to Akshath Reddy, 1 run, superb fielding from Gony, length ball just outside off, Akshath thumps it to mid on but Gony dives to his left and prevents a certain boundary

5.5 Azhar Mahmood to Akshath Reddy, 2 runs, full ball but a bit too straight on leg stump, Akshath flicks it past the gap at mid wicket for a couple

5.4 Azhar Mahmood to Akshath Reddy, no run, good length ball angled in on middle, Akshath drives it to mid off

5.3 Azhar Mahmood to Hanuma Vihari, 1 run, back of a length delivery just outside off, Vihari punches it to mid on for a quick single

5.2 Azhar Mahmood to Hanuma Vihari, no run, good length ball and nipping back in just outside off, Vihari gets an inside edge onto the pad as it rolls to short mid wicket, Mahmood appealed for an LBW but there was a clear inside edge

5.1 Azhar Mahmood to Hanuma Vihari, FOUR, CRACK! Super shot from Vihari. Full ball just outside off, Vihari gets forward and laces the square drive to the deep point fence for a boundary

Azhar Mahmood, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

4.6 Praveen Kumar to Akshath Reddy, no run, good length ball and veering away a touch outside off, Akshath dabs it to backward point

The length from Praveen Kumar has been mostly short in this over. He needs to keep it full as he does not have the pace to trouble most batsmen with his short balls.

4.5 Praveen Kumar to Hanuma Vihari, 1 run, another slower delivery just outside off, Vihari punchily drives it to cover point and hares through for a single

4.4 Praveen Kumar to Akshath Reddy, 1 run, Praveen bowls it short and just outside off, Akshath gets on top of the bounce as he pulls it to deep backward square leg

4.3 Praveen Kumar to Hanuma Vihari, 3 runs, nicely done by Vihari this time, short of a good length ball just outside off, Vihari stays back and punches it past the gap at cover and once again Gurkeerat puts in the hard strides to pull the ball back just inside the ropes at sweeper cover

4.2 Praveen Kumar to Akshath Reddy, 3 runs, short ball and climbing up outside off, Akshath hops and ends up flapping the upper-cut over cover, it actually comes off the toe-end and he does not time it well, Gurkeerat puts in the dive forward and stops it just in front of the ropes

4.1 Praveen Kumar to Hanuma Vihari, 1 run, Vihari sashays down the track and Praveen shortens the length of this slower delivery, Vihari adjusts and punches it to point

3.6 Mascarenhas to Akshath Reddy, no run, Mascarenhas probes away by bowling it full and just outside off, Akshath taps it to short extra cover

3.5 Mascarenhas to Hanuma Vihari, 1 run, good length ball and angling in on leg stump, Vihari looks to short-arm pull it to fine leg but ends up getting an inside edge onto the pad as it rolls to short fine leg

3.4 Mascarenhas to Hanuma Vihari, 2 runs, length delivery and straight on middle, Vihari makes a bit of room and carves it past the gap at point for a couple, it rolls to the deep and Valthaty manages to pull it back just inside the ropes

3.3 Mascarenhas to Akshath Reddy, 1 run, uppish but safe, full ball and it stops on Akshath, he checks his drive and chips it to the right of Mascarenhas who stretches out but cannot reach it, the ball rolls to long on

3.2 Mascarenhas to Hanuma Vihari, 1 run, back of a length delivery just outside off, Vihari punches it to extra cover and David Hussey turns around quickly to fire the throw to Gilchrist, but Akshath has made it safely

3.1 Mascarenhas to Hanuma Vihari, no run, Mascarenhas is keeping it wicket to wicket, this length ball keeps low just outside off and Vihari pushes it back to the bowler

Gilchrist is standing upto the stumps now.

2.6 Praveen Kumar to Akshath Reddy, no run, good ball to end another good over from Praveen, good length ball and jagging away with a bit of extra bounce outside off, Akshath hangs his bat out and the ball goes past the edge

2.5 Praveen Kumar to Hanuma Vihari, 1 run, run-out chance missed, full ball floated up on the off stump, Vihari tucks it to short mid wicket and takes off for a suicidal single, David Hussey fires the throw at the bowler's end but he misses, Vihari was a goner if that had hit and David Hussey is not amused

2.4 Praveen Kumar to Hanuma Vihari, 2 runs, short in length delivery and it cuts back in slightly, Vihari looks to work it to the leg side and the ball rolls to deep square leg off the inside edge for a brace

2.3 Praveen Kumar to Hanuma Vihari, no run, Praveen keeps this delivery full and straight just outside off, Vihari drives it to mid on

2.2 Praveen Kumar to Hanuma Vihari, no run, full ball around the off stump, Vihari punches it back to the bowler

2.1 Praveen Kumar to Hanuma Vihari, no run, another good ball from Praveen, goodish length ball and jagging away a bit, it also stays low as Vihari gets the bat down in time to push it to mid on

1.6 Mascarenhas to Akshath Reddy, FOUR, superbly done by Akshath, good length ball slanted in just outside off, Akshath latches onto that and heaves it across the line to deep mid wicket, one bounce over the ropes

1.5 Mascarenhas to Hanuma Vihari, 1 run, short of a good length ball just outside off, Vihari nudges it to short mid wicket

1.4 Mascarenhas to Akshath Reddy, 1 run, Mascarenhas angles this delivery in on middle, Akshath turns it to mid wicket

1.3 Mascarenhas to Hanuma Vihari, 1 run, back of a length delivery angled in just outside off, Vihari works it to mid wicket

1.2 Mascarenhas to Hanuma Vihari, no run, short of length ball close to the off stump, Vihari knocks it to point

1.1 Mascarenhas to Akshath Reddy, 1 run, good length ball slanted in and it stays low, Akshath is rooted to the crease and he nurdles it to mid wicket

Dimitri Mascarenhas, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

A slip in place for Mascarenhas.

0.6 Praveen Kumar to Hanuma Vihari, no run, good length ball angled in and it holds its line on the off stump, Vihari defends it and Praveen starts off with a wicket maiden

0.5 Praveen Kumar to Hanuma Vihari, no run, back of a length delivery just outside off, Vihari defends it

Hanuma Vihari, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Two slips in place and they are placed wide.

0.4 Praveen Kumar to Quinton de Kock, out Bowled!! Praveen strikes immediately and it is another failure for Quinton de Kock. Good length ball on middle and it darts back in, de Kock looks to work it to mid wicket but the ball comes on sluggishly, gets an inside edge onto the pad and knocks the middle stump back. Quinton de Kock b Praveen Kumar 0(4)

Praveen Kumar to Quinton de Kock, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

0.3 Praveen Kumar to Quinton de Kock, no run, short in length delivery and angled across wide outside off, de Kock is rooted to the crease as he goes for the cut but ends up chopping it to backward point

0.2 Praveen Kumar to Quinton de Kock, no run, good length ball on middle and it nips away, de Kock manages to defend it without any hassles

0.1 Praveen Kumar to Quinton de Kock, no run, good start for Praveen, full ball angled across and it swerves away outside off, de Kock has a feel for the delivery and gets beaten

Quinton de Kock and Akshath Reddy are at the crease. Quinton de Kock is on strike. Praveen Kumar will open the attack

A slip in place for Praveen Kumar.

The Punjab fielders are all out in the middle. The two Hyderabad openers are also out and are ready. 124 is a tricky score on this sluggish wicket.

Punjab were 104/4 at one stage but collapsed in an unbelievable manner once Hussey fell. Their lower order just threw away their wickets and wasted a good foundation laid by the top order. Gilchrist gave a good start before Chawla, who was sent up the order to negate the leg spinners, played a quick cameo. All that was wasted though, as Hyderabad bowled superbly in the death and kept them to just 123. 150+ looked on at one stage but Hyderabad pulled it back quite well. Stay tuned for the chase.

Mishra, who gets the purple cap: I always look for wickets and not for dot balls. That's working for me at the moment. Steyn and Ishant get early wickets and that helps. We work as a unit. 120+ is not a big score, the wicket is a bit slow but it's good for batting.

Stat: Amit Mishra (85 wickets) becomes the joint-leading wicket-taker in Indian T20 league with Lasith Malinga.

19.6 Thisara Perera to Mascarenhas, 2 runs, a couple to end the innings, a full toss and Mascarenhas lofts it over Thisara Perera to long on, didn't time it well and will get only a couple

So Punjab will play out their 20 overs.

19.5 Thisara Perera to Praveen Kumar, 1 run, a full toss on the legs, Praveen works it to deep square leg for a single

19.4 Thisara Perera to Praveen Kumar, no run, very full and outside off, Praveen cannot squeeze it out! Very good delivery that

19.3 Thisara Perera to Mascarenhas, 1 run, full and straight, Mascarenhas drives it to long on for a single

19.2 Thisara Perera to Praveen Kumar, 1 run, very full and straight, Praveen works it to mid wicket

19.1 Thisara Perera to Mascarenhas, 1 run, slower delivery on the off, Mascarenhas drives it down to long on for a single

Thisara Perera [3.0-0-19-0] is back into the attack

18.6 Steyn to Praveen Kumar, no run, fast and straight, Praveen manages to keep it out

18.5 Steyn to Mascarenhas, 1 run, back of a length delivery on the off, Mascarenhas runs it down to third man for a single

18.4 Steyn to Mascarenhas, no run, back of a length and outside off, Mascarenhas looks to punch it away but misses

18.3 Steyn to Praveen Kumar, 1 run, full and straight, Praveen flicks it to deep square leg for a single

18.2 Steyn to Praveen Kumar, no run, short of length and angled away, Praveen looks to run it down to third man and misses

Praveen Kumar, right handed bat, comes to the crease

18.1 Steyn to Gurkeerat Singh, out Bowled!! 4 in 4! What is happening? This is unbelievable implosion from Punjab. Steyn runs in and bowls it fast and straight, Gurkeerat backed away and looked to hit it through the off side but missed it. The middle stump is uprooted, and Hyderabad have 4 wickets in 4 balls! Gurkeerat Singh b Steyn 17(12) [4s-1 6s-1]

Steyn to Gurkeerat Singh, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

Dale Steyn [3.0-0-12-0] is back into the attack

Dimitri Mascarenhas, right handed bat, comes to the crease

17.6 Amit Mishra to Manan Vohra, out Caught by Ishant!! What is it with Mishra and hat-tricks? This won't go to him but Hyderabad have got 3 wickets in 3 balls. Loopy delivery on the off, Vohra slog sweeps it straight to deep mid wicket. There is something with Mishra and hat-tricks. Manan Vohra c Ishant b Amit Mishra 0(1)

Amit Mishra to Manan Vohra, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

Manan Vohra, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Hyderabad on a hat-trick!

17.5 Amit Mishra to Gurkeerat Singh, out Gony Run Out!! 1 run completed. Gony will not face a ball today! Gurkeerat pulled this to deep mid wicket and got a single, there was never a double there but for some reason Gony turns and comes back, Ishant the fielder there fires in a good throw at the striker's end and Gony is well out. He was just too slow to turn back! Gony run out (Ishant/Quinton de Kock) 0(0)

Amit Mishra to Gurkeerat Singh, THATS OUT!! Run Out!!

Manpreet Gony, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Will be entertaining if Gony gets going. He's not on strike now though

17.4 Amit Mishra to Azhar Mahmood, out Caught by Ashish Reddy!! Mishra finally gets a wicket, and it's an important one. Flighted up, Mahmood looked to loft it down the ground but smashed it flat and straight to long on. Mahmood has been wasted down the order once again. Azhar Mahmood c Ashish Reddy b Amit Mishra 4(4) [4s-1]

Amit Mishra to Azhar Mahmood, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

17.3 Amit Mishra to Azhar Mahmood, FOUR, good hit! Loopy and outside off, Mahmood backs away and lofts it inside out over extra cover, one bounce and over the ropes

17.2 Amit Mishra to Gurkeerat Singh, leg byes, 1 run, again tries a slog sweep, but misses it and it goes off the body to short third man

17.1 Amit Mishra to Gurkeerat Singh, FOUR, Mishra has been taken for runs today. Flighted ball on the off, Gurkeerat picks it up and sweeps it to deep square leg for a boundary

16.6 Ishant to Azhar Mahmood, no run, beaten. Good delivery - in and around off, Mahmood looks to run it down to third man but misses

16.5 Ishant to Azhar Mahmood, no run, back of a length and on the off, Mahmood stands in the crease and blocks

16.4 Ishant to Gurkeerat Singh, 1 run, short of length delivery on the off, Gurkeerat runs it down to third man for one

Azhar Mahmood, right handed bat, comes to the crease

16.3 Ishant to David Hussey, out Caught by Akshath Reddy!! Taken on the second attempt! Full delivery on the off, Hussey backs away and looks to go over sweeper cover but ends up slicing it straight to the fielder there, the ball popped out of Reddy's hands but he remained calm and took it. David Hussey c Akshath Reddy b Ishant 22(24) [4s-1 6s-1]

Ishant to David Hussey, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

David Hussey is out

16.2 Ishant to Gurkeerat Singh, 1 run, stump to stump, Gurkeerat works it to mid wicket

16.1 Ishant to David Hussey, 1 run, full delivery on the off, Hussey comes down the track and carves it to deep extra cover for one

Ishant Sharma [3.0-0-26-1] is back into the attack

15.6 Amit Mishra to Gurkeerat Singh, no run, a googly from wide of the crease, pitches outside off and hits Gurkeerat on the pads in front of middle, Mishra appeals for lbw but that was sliding down the leg side

15.5 Amit Mishra to David Hussey, 1 run, floated on the middle and leg, drilled to long on

15.4 Amit Mishra to Gurkeerat Singh, 1 run, flatter through the air, Gurkeerat clips it to deep backward square leg for a single

15.3 Amit Mishra to Gurkeerat Singh, SIX, superb shot! This was tossed up on the middle and leg, Gurkeerat came forward and lofted it down the ground, just managed to clear long on. Didn't try to hit it hard and concentrated on the timing

15.2 Amit Mishra to David Hussey, 1 run, flat and on the legs, Hussey tucks it to short fine leg for a single

15.1 Amit Mishra to Gurkeerat Singh, 1 run, slowly tossed up on the off, Gurkeerat sweeps it to deep backward square leg for one

Amit Mishra [2.0-0-10-0] is back into the attack

Time out

14.6 Thisara Perera to Gurkeerat Singh, 1 run, short of length and angled in, Gurkeerat clips it to deep mid wicket for one

14.5 Thisara Perera to David Hussey, 1 run, another slow leg cutter but it's a full toss, Hussey drives it to long on for one

14.4 Thisara Perera to David Hussey, no run, short of length and just outside off, Hussey cuts it to point

14.3 Thisara Perera to Gurkeerat Singh, 1 run, a quick run. Singh defends it to point and sets off, Karan Sharma at that position fumbles and allows an easy run

14.2 Thisara Perera to David Hussey, 1 run, a low full toss as Hussey tries a leg cutter, Hussey drills it to long on for a single

Gurkeerat Singh, right handed bat, comes to the crease

14.1 Thisara Perera to Chawla, out Chawla Run Out!! Tries a quick single and perishes. Short ball, he pulled it to mid wicket and set off, Akshath at that position does well and is quick to release the ball, Perera does the rest with Chawla well out of the crease. A good cameo ends. Chawla run out (Akshath Reddy/Thisara Perera) 23(15) [4s-1 6s-2]

Thisara Perera to Chawla, THATS OUT!! Run Out!!

Chawla is run out

@kirannataraj tweets: Ominous signs for Punjab as Chawla will concede twice the number of runs he will score while batting

13.6 Ishant to David Hussey, no run, back of a length and on the off, Hussey punches it to extra cover

13.5 Ishant to David Hussey, no run, good length and angled in, Hussey tucks it to mid wicket

13.4 Ishant to Chawla, 1 run, slow off cutter on the off, Chawla steers it to backward point for a single

13.4 Ishant to Chawla, wide, that's a harsh call. A short delivery on the legs, Chawla missed a hook and the umpire has called it wide for height. Didn't look too high

13.3 Ishant to Chawla, no run, swing and a miss. Short of length and just outside off, Chawla looks to heave across and misses

13.2 Ishant to David Hussey, 1 run, slower one around off, Hussey pushes it just wide of point for a single

13.1 Ishant to David Hussey, SIX, what a shot! Superb sound as the bat hit the ball. Back of length and angled in, Hussey clears his frontfoot and heaves across the line, connects superbly and clears deep mid wicket with a flat six

Ishant Sharma [2.0-0-17-1] is back into the attack

12.6 Thisara Perera to Chawla, 2 runs, nicely played, short delivery again and he plays a controlled pull shot just wide of long on for a couple more

12.5 Thisara Perera to Chawla, no run, swing and a miss again. A slow off cutter this time, Chawla looks to smash it away over the off side but gets beaten

12.3 Thisara Perera to David Hussey, 1 run, short and on the body, Hussey stays back and pushes it to mid wicket for one

12.2 Thisara Perera to David Hussey, no run, back of a length and on the off, Hussey punches it to extra cover

12.1 Thisara Perera to David Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery on the middle and leg, Hussey works it to mid wicket

Thisara Perera [1.0-0-12-0] is back into the attack

11.6 Amit Mishra to Chawla, no run, the wrong one to end the over, Chawla doesn't pick it and gets beaten

11.5 Amit Mishra to Chawla, FOUR, Gilchrist is sure to get the Nayi Soch award for promoting Chawla. This is superb counter-attack. A loopy delivery, Chawla comes down the track and takes it on the full, lofts it straight down the ground for a boundary

11.4 Amit Mishra to David Hussey, 1 run, lots of flight on that one, Hussey drills it to long off

11.3 Amit Mishra to David Hussey, no run, flat through the air on the middle and leg, Hussey clips it to mid wicket

11.2 Amit Mishra to Chawla, 1 run, given air on the middle and leg, Chawla paddles it to short fine leg

11.1 Amit Mishra to David Hussey, 1 run, flighted delivery on the off, Hussey drives it to long off

Amit Mishra [1.0-0-3-0] is back into the attack

10.6 Karan Sharma to David Hussey, 1 run, a googly this time, Hussey gets a thick inside edge to mid wicket for one

10.5 Karan Sharma to David Hussey, no run, floated up on the off, Hussey pushes it back to Karan Sharma

10.4 Karan Sharma to Chawla, 1 run, flat and angled in, Chawla tucks it to deep square leg for a single

Karan Sharma goes round the wicket

10.3 Karan Sharma to Chawla, SIX, wow, the decision to send Chawla ahead looks a superb one now. Flighted delivery and Chawla dances down the track to smash it straight down the ground into the sight screen

10.2 Karan Sharma to Chawla, no run, Karan Sharma drags it a bit shorter, Chawla plays it off the backfoot back to the bowler

10.1 Karan Sharma to Chawla, SIX, that's why he has been sent up! Superb clean strike from Chawla! This was tossed up on the legs, Chawla plays the slog sweep and smashes it away over deep mid wicket

9.6 Steyn to David Hussey, no run, a wayward bouncer, very high and Quinton de Kock did well to jump and take it. How was that not called a wide for height?

9.5 Steyn to David Hussey, no run, swing and a miss. Short of length and angled away outside off, Hussey was nowhere near it but looked to cut, failed to connect

9.4 Steyn to David Hussey, FOUR, nearly chopped on! So close. Short and just outside off, Hussey looked to cut but got a thick inside edge which went just wide of the off stump to fine leg. Lucky runs, but any runs are important on this track

9.3 Steyn to Chawla, 1 run, short and on the body, Chawla clips it to deep backward square leg for one

9.2 Steyn to David Hussey, 1 run, short of length and just outside off, Hussey punches it away to sweeper cover, a slight fumble in the deep but it doesn't cost anything

9.1 Steyn to Chawla, 1 run, short of length and on the legs, Chawla works it to fine leg for a single

Dale Steyn [2.0-0-5-0] is back into the attack

Piyush Chawla, left handed bat, comes to the crease

Surprise surprise. Piyush Chawla has been promoted. Probably to counter the two leg spinners. Steyn returns as well. Hyderabad want wickets - they have a slip and a short leg!

8.6 Karan Sharma to Valthaty, out Caught by Thisara Perera!! Paul Valthaty. That's a mad shot to play when you have just lost your captain. A bit of flight from Karan Sharma, Valthaty's eyes lit up and he looks to smash it out of the ground, only manages to hit it straight to long off. 6 off 17 - fair to say he struggled. Valthaty c Thisara Perera b Karan Sharma 6(17)

Karan Sharma to Valthaty, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

8.5 Karan Sharma to David Hussey, 1 run, flat and a bit short, Hussey punches it to extra cover and gets off the mark

David Hussey, right handed bat, comes to the crease

@forwardshortleg tweets: Gilchrist gone for a Pondulkar-esque innings. 26(25). Ensures fans are happy but actually hurts the team

Time out

8.4 Karan Sharma to Gilchrist, out Caught by Ishant!! Gilchrist has holed out! Hit it straight to the man! This was a bit short and spun in, Gilchrist went back and pulled it straight to deep mid wicket. Ishant didn't have to move an inch - Karan Sharma gets his reward for some good bowling. Gilchrist looked good while he stayed, but couldn't manage a lot. Gilchrist c Ishant b Karan Sharma 26(25) [4s-4]

Karan Sharma to Gilchrist, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

8.3 Karan Sharma to Gilchrist, no run, tossed up just outside off, Gilchrist runs it down to short third man

8.2 Karan Sharma to Valthaty, 1 run, fired in a bit short, Valthaty stays back and chips it to long off

8.1 Karan Sharma to Gilchrist, 1 run, flat and a bit short, Gilchrist pushes it to extra cover, White dives but can only make a half stop

7.6 Amit Mishra to Gilchrist, 1 run, floated on the off, Gilchrist stays back and pushes it to long off for a single

7.5 Amit Mishra to Valthaty, 1 run, poor delivery this time, flighted delivery on the legs, Valthaty sweeps it to fine leg

7.4 Amit Mishra to Valthaty, no run, attacks the stumps again, Valthaty comes on the frontfoot and defends it solidly

7.3 Amit Mishra to Valthaty, no run, slowly tossed up on the off, Valthaty comes on the frontfoot and blocks

7.2 Amit Mishra to Gilchrist, 1 run, a bit of flight, Gilchrist gets forward and pushes it to long off for a single

7.1 Amit Mishra to Gilchrist, no run, starts with a flat delivery on the off, Gilchrist goes on the backfoot and punches it back to Amit Mishra

Amit Mishra, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack

Clear indications of what the pitch will do today. There is going to be spin, spin and more spin.

6.6 Karan Sharma to Valthaty, byes, FOUR, bonus runs, spoils a good over. Loopy and turning away, Valthaty looks to drive but is beaten by a long way, Quinton de Kock misses it as well

6.5 Karan Sharma to Valthaty, 2 runs, a bit too straight now, Valthaty sweeps it to fine leg and comes back for a quick 2, Steyn was the fielder and he was quick, but the throw was wayward. Valthaty dived in

6.4 Karan Sharma to Valthaty, no run, this is unplayable stuff. Quick spin - from off to outside off in a rapid way, Valthaty had no clue about that one and missed it

6.3 Karan Sharma to Valthaty, no run, the googly now, Valthaty comes on the frontfoot and defends it

6.2 Karan Sharma to Valthaty, no run, and again! A lot of turn. Floated on the off and spins away rapidly, Valthaty is beaten by a long way as he tries a forward defence

6.1 Karan Sharma to Valthaty, no run, good delivery first up! Flat, pitching on off and spinning away, Valthaty looks to defend and misses

Karan Sharma, comes into the attack

5.6 Ishant to Valthaty, 1 run, short of length ball on the middle and leg, Valthaty pushes it to mid on for a quick run

5.5 Ishant to Gilchrist, 1 run, short and just outside off, Gilchrist runs it down to third man

5.4 Ishant to Gilchrist, no run, and again! He's lucky to get away with it this time, Ishant. Again short, again wide outside off, Gilchrist tries to cut but misses

5.3 Ishant to Gilchrist, FOUR, Mr. Ishant Sharma, you just can't bowl there to Adam Gilchrist even though he is 41 years old. Short, wide outside off, Gilchrist slaps it away over the packed off side field

5.2 Ishant to Valthaty, 1 run, overthrows. Ishant is not impressed, Valthaty worked it to mid wicket, Vihari throws needlessly at the non striker's end and hits direct, the ball ricohets away for an overthrow

5.1 Ishant to Valthaty, no run, short of length delivery on the off, Valthaty stays back and defends it

Ishant Sharma [1.0-0-10-1] is back into the attack

4.6 Thisara Perera to Gilchrist, no run, another slow short one, Gilchrist pulls it just wide of mid wicket, Vihari was the fielder and he did well to dive and stop it

4.5 Thisara Perera to Gilchrist, no run, a slower short delivery, Gilchrist pulls but plays it too early, goes off the bottom of the bat to mid wicket

4.4 Thisara Perera to Gilchrist, FOUR, third boundary of the over! Back of length and on middle, Gilchrist heaves it away over mid on. Good use of the field restrictions

4.3 Thisara Perera to Gilchrist, FOUR, Gilchrist is on the attack! Short of length and on the body, Gilchrist picks his spot and pulls it away over mid wicket, the ball bounces just once before the ropes

4.2 Thisara Perera to Gilchrist, no run, short of length and close to the off stump, Gilchrist steers it to point

4.1 Thisara Perera to Gilchrist, FOUR, typical Gilchrist stuff. A loosener from Perera - short and wide outside off, Gilchrist reaches out and cuts it away hard between cover and point. Great to see him bat like this

Thisara Perera, right-arm medium, comes into the attack

3.6 Steyn to Valthaty, no run, cuts and misses. Short delivery outside off, Valthaty looks to cut it away but misses

3.5 Steyn to Valthaty, no run, back of a length delivery on the off, Valthaty stays back and defends it

3.4 Steyn to Valthaty, no run, short of length and outside off, Valthaty lets it go

3.3 Steyn to Gilchrist, 1 run, poor fielding by Mishra and poor running by Gilchrist. Gilchrist tucked it to short fine leg, Mishra misfielded and then gave chase very very slowly but Gilchrist didn't realise that - he was running the first one hard and ran a long way with the momentum

3.2 Steyn to Gilchrist, no run, swing and a miss. Full and angled away, Gilchrist chases and looks to go hard through the off side but fails to connect

3.1 Steyn to Gilchrist, no run, back of a length and on the off, Gilchrist goes on the backfoot and defends it

2.6 Ishant to Gilchrist, 1 run, short of length delivery on the off, Gilchrist tucks it to mid on for one

Paul Valthaty, right handed bat, comes to the crease

2.5 Ishant to Mandeep Singh, out Caught by Quinton de Kock!! Very good catch that by the wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock! Mandeep Singh wants to play a shot every ball, and that has resulted in this. Another short delivery from Ishant but no room this time, Mandeep looks to pull hard but gets a top edge that goes back, de Kock runs back, keeps his eyes on the ball even as it swirls down and holds on. Mandeep Singh c Quinton de Kock b Ishant 10(11) [4s-1]

Ishant to Mandeep Singh, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

2.4 Ishant to Mandeep Singh, 2 runs, good running, Mandeep works it softly to mid wicket, Mishra had to run across from mid on and Gilchrist had come back for 2 by then

2.3 Ishant to Mandeep Singh, 2 runs, short and angled in, Mandeep backs away and flicks it to deep mid wicket for a couple more

2.2 Ishant to Mandeep Singh, no run, short of length and on the body, Mandeep goes on the backfoot and whips it to mid on

2.2 Ishant to Mandeep Singh, wide, and now Ishant sprays it down the leg side, Mandeep misses a glance

2.1 Ishant to Mandeep Singh, FOUR, good shot. A short ball to start with for Ishant, Mandeep rocks back and pulls it to deep square leg for a boundary

Ishant Sharma, right-arm fast, comes into the attack

1.6 Steyn to Gilchrist, 2 runs, good pull shot again! Short ball and Gilchrist pulls it away just wide of deep square leg, the fielder runs across and dives to save a couple

1.5 Steyn to Mandeep Singh, 1 run, quick single! Mandeep punches this off the backfoot to mid off, takes on Ishant and gets a quick run

1.4 Steyn to Mandeep Singh, no run, good length and swinging away around off, Mandeep plays inside the line and lets it go

1.3 Steyn to Gilchrist, 1 run, hit well but straight to the fielder. Short delivery on the off, Gilchrist pulls well but straight to deep backward square leg

1.2 Steyn to Gilchrist, no run, fuller and swinging in a touch, Gilchrist stays back and defends it to mid off

Steyn vs Gilchrist would have been a superb contest, if only the latter was younger and in form

1.1 Steyn to Gilchrist, no run, back of a length delivery on the off, Gilchrist stays back and defends it

Dale Steyn, right-arm fast, comes into the attack

0.6 Hanuma Vihari to Mandeep Singh, no run, slow through the air on the off, Mandeep looks for a reverse sweep and gets hit on the body, too many shots in the very first over

0.5 Hanuma Vihari to Gilchrist, 1 run, flat through the air, Gilchrist gets an inside edge which goes off his pads to short cover, off the mark

0.4 Hanuma Vihari to Gilchrist, no run, loopy delivery on the off, Gilchrist comes on the frontfoot and defends it back to Vihari

0.3 Hanuma Vihari to Mandeep Singh, 1 run, flighted delivery on the middle and leg, Mandeep takes a step out and works it to long on

White: "Amazing game last match, very happy to get the 2 points in the end. One individual can win a game in a T20, that's thing about the format. Punjab have some mighty players in their team, so we cannot take them lightly. I wanted to bat first as well. I'll call it an interesting wicket, let's see how it plays. Parthiv Patel is out and Akshath Reddy is in."

Gilchrist: "Steyn is the best fast bowler in the world. I'm dwindling but I'm up to the challenge. We fought really well against Kolkata - anything is possible in this format. We haven't clicked in the batting unit, we haven't made a fifty. The pitch looks hard and a bit patchy in some areas. It may be a low scoring game. No particular reason to bat first. Not sure what the pitch will do so just want to get some runs on the board. We've fought well but we have been inconsistent. Mascarenhas and Valthaty come in. "

Kings XI Punjab have won the toss and elected to bat

Hyderabad could make a slight change to their combination. Their next game is only on 25th, against Chennai at Chepauk. Remember, their Sri Lankan players will not be allowed to play there, so they may give Sammy a game tonight and test how they do without Perera. White said at the toss during the last game that they dropped Sangakkara for the same reason. Nothing official yet, though. Will tell you during the toss.

Sammy: "It feels really good to be a father. Not the first time I'm being a father, I have two boys. But a girl is always special. She's a big healthy baby and I just want to thank god and my wife for giving me such a girl. My family is here, as soon as they heard that I'm playing, they booked their tickets. Before I came here, I watched our team's performances on TV and the one feature that's striking is the never say die attitude. Game after game, we have not given up. We don't have superstars but we play as a team"

A warm welcome to one and all for the match between Hyderabad and Punjab from Hyderabad. Punjab have been struggling for momentum in this tournament but they got a bit of that in their last game, when they stunned defending champions Kolkata. Hyderabad have surprised one and all in this tournament and they are currently in the second position. I'm not sure they have stopped celebrating their last minute victory over Pune in their previous game, but it's already time for their next encounter!

Preview

When the tournament was yet to begin, most cricketing experts believed that Hyderabad and Punjab were only there to make numbers and it would be a miracle if any of the two teams managed to make it to the knockout stages. With plenty of matches still to go, the analysts might still be proven right but as of now, both teams have surprised their opponents and pundits alike with their performance on the field.

Hyderabad are fast turning out to be the surprise package of this season with one exemplary performance after another. Led astutely by Cameron White, they pulled off a remarkable heist to beat Pune after being reduced to 44/6 at one stage in their last match. On the other hand, Punjab come into the game full of confidence after having trounced pre-tournament favourites, Kolkata.

Hyderabad

Team News: Kumar Sangakkara sat out of the Pune match to give a chance for the highly rated wicket keeper batsman from South Africa, Quinton de Kock. In his absence, Cameron White led the team with a lot of pluck as they defended a modest total. Hyderabad are due to travel to Chennai for their next match and it will be prudent if de Kock plays ahead of Sangakkara in this match.

In form players

While batting continues to remain an area of concern, Hyderabad will take heart from their superior bowling unit and a never say die spirit. With a measly 114 runs from 6 games, Thisara Perera is their highest run scorer for the season but he is only the 14th highest scorer in the tournament.

The bowling though looks hale and healthy with three bowlers (Perera, Amit Mishra and Dale Steyn) in the top-10 list. Mishra's confidence is bound to go up following his 4 wicket over which included a hat-trick against Pune. At 5.79 RPO, Steyn has been at his frugal best and has managed to rally the others along with him.

Struggling for form

The batting line-up is far from settled for the team to be called genuine title contenders. In the absence of Shikhar Dhawan, Parthiv Patel, the lone known Indian face in the batting line-up has struggled while Cameron White has been patchy at best. The onus on scoring lies with the top-order and Hyderabad will need bigger contributions from them if they are to surge ahead in the points tally.

What they have done so far

With 4 wins from 6 games, Hyderabad are well placed with 8 points at a NRR of -0.22.

Team News: A sparkling victory over Kolkata has meant that the confidence level of the team will be at its high. The batting department is filled with talented Indian rookies and experienced overseas professionals. Having been given a long rope by the team management, it will not be a surprise if Punjab field the same XI that won handsomely against Kolkata.

In form players

David Hussey has been the rock in this batting line-up and has scored 102 runs from 4 matches. Mandeep Sharma and Manan Vohra have chipped in with useful contributions while Azhar Mahmood has worked wonders as a game changer.

MS Gony, playing his 1st match of the season was the star performer as he shocked Sunil Narine and Kolkata with the bat and the ball. On the other hand, Praveen Kumar has been Punjab's best bowler striking early blows and retaining his poise in the death overs.

Struggling for form

While his keeping and captaincy has been above par, Adam Gilchrist has been pretty poor in front of the stumps. His failure has often left the middle order needing to repair the early damage rather than building on the set platform. One who has always set high standards for himself, Gilchrist would love to get back to his batting best and what better than doing it perhaps against the best bowling line-up of the tournament.

What they have done so far

With 2 wins from 4 games, Punjab have 4 points at a N.R.R of +0.43.

Probable four foreigners: Adam Gilchrist, David Hussey, Azhar Mahmood and David Miller.

Quotes

We have a couple of good leg spinners, it's nice to have bowlers like that and not ask Steyn and Ishant to get all the wickets - Cameron White is pleased with his bowling options.